Parents here on visa, claiming their kids?

[kpangelinan]

I have a couple who are here in America on a working Visa. They have two small children who are living with them, but were born out of the country. They went to apply for a social security # and they were told that the type of Visa they have, the children weren't eligible for a SSN.

I just want to be clear, but in order to claim the kids as dependents on their return, the children need a valid social security number, right? So, in this case, this couple wouldn't be allowed to claim the children?

Thanks,

[DonPriebe]

I just want to be clear, but in order to claim the kids as dependents on their return, the children need a valid social security number, right? So, in this case, this couple wouldn't be allowed to claim the children?

From Pub 17 ...

Taxpayer identification numbers for aliens. If your dependent is a resident or non-
resident alien who does not have and is not eligible to get an SSN, your dependent must
apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Write the number in column (2) of line 6c of your Form 1040 or Form 1040A. To apply for an ITIN, use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

[kpangelinan]

From Pub 17 ...

Going to do a little reading on the subject. Thanks for taking the time and pointing me in the right direction.

[erchess]

Itin

is good for the exemption and not for eic. I'm not sure about other purposes.